EasyJet is introducing a bag drop change at four major UK airports from Friday to help make family holidays easier this summer.

The airline and package holiday provider is launching free Teddy Trackers to customers ahead of flights so that families can keep track of their children’s favourite companions on holiday, helping to bring an end to the heartbreak of lost toys. The trackers easily fasten to soft toys allowing their location to be monitored at all times via the family connection and safety app Life360.

To help prevent toys being lost and left behind this summer, easyJet is making Teddy Trackers available at bag drop desks to customers flying from the following four UK airports:

The trackers will be available to collect for free at easyJet bag drop desks at any of these airports from Friday, July 31, while stocks last.

Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: “We know that it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference to a family holiday.

“For many children, a favourite teddy or comfort toy is an important part of the journey and losing it can be upsetting at what should be an exciting time.

“That’s why we’ve launched Teddy Trackers, giving families extra peace of mind while they’re away. Creating brilliant holiday experiences is at the heart of what we do, and we’re delighted to be offering another simple way to make family holidays as smooth and stress-free as possible.”

The launch comes as easyJet is set to take more than 370,000 families on holiday this summer, meaning thousands of children and their teddies will be taking to the skies.

According to research commissioned by easyJet and easyJet holidays, almost two thirds (65%) of parents say their child has lost a favourite soft toy or comforter while on holiday, while more than half of parents (51%) travel with a backup teddy in case of an emergency.

The research also highlights just how important these companions are, with 33% of parents saying their child’s favourite toy is considered a member of the family, while 33% talk about it as if it was a real person.

Almost half of parents (49%) whose child lost their favourite toy report that airline and hotel staff have been key to helping them reunite with lost toys over the years, with easyJet Captain Matthew Clutterbuck among those who have gone the extra mile by launching an appeal to reunite teddy bear Shackleton with its owner, after it was left onboard a flight to Luton.

Captain Clutterbuck said: “We know that a child’s favourite toy is much more than something that can be packed in a suitcase – it’s often their constant companion on every adventure, providing comfort, familiarity and reassurance throughout their journey.

“That’s why I was so passionate about helping reunite Shackleton with his family, and why we’re delighted to support families with our new Teddy Trackers.

“Whether it’s a well-loved teddy or another treasured companion, we hope our Teddy Trackers offer parents extra peace of mind, helping ensure these special items can always find their way home.”